Devonshire Regiment.

Awarded the Military Medal in the Supplement to the London Gazette of 21 December 1944.

The Burnley Express of 10 January 1945 reported: -

Awarded M.M.

It is announced that the Military Medal has been awarded to Private Harry Geard, the Devonshire Regiment of Burnley, for services in North-West Europe.

The citation states "During the night 1st-2nd July, Private Geard was a member of a platoon detailed to raid enemy post near Breville. He volunteered to go on this raid, which was the third time he had taken part in patrol activity in quick succession. On approaching the final objective, Private Geard saw his platoon commander and an N.C.O. charge a machine-gun that had suddenly opened fire on them. The officer and N.C.O. fell to the ground. Private Geard advanced, threw a grenade into the German post, and silenced the gun. At that moment he received a wound in the foot and was left behind unnoticed when the raiding party withdrew. While lying on the ground, a Schmeiser opened fire near him, and Private Geard silenced this with a second grenade. He eventually crawled back to his company position, bringing very valuable information concerning enemy disposition and habits."